Page 2 of The Secret Club
“Yes please Sophie. Rosie, what would you like?”
“A black tea please.” I smile shyly up at the beautiful auburn-haired lady.
“Rosie, your email came at the exact time I was about to put a new job description together. I think the universe was giving me a gift, especially as you have bar and café experience, albeit a few years ago now. What made you reach out to us?” Sandy is direct but her brown eyes are warm.
“This sounds strange, but I’ve had this feeling for a little while now about the Clarendon, like a niggle in the back of my mind that I’d like to work for you. I have been working for myself for the past eight years which has done me well but, in all honesty, I’m looking for some additional work and shifts to boost my income while things are a bit slow.” I watch Sandy’s face intently. Was that too much information? Am I being too honest? It’s been such a long time since I’ve interviewed for anything. I pass Sandy the resume I hastily put together yesterday.
“Is that so…” Sandy nods and takes the resume.
Sandy takes out a pair of Prada reading glasses and runs her eyes over my work history. It’s not long before she’s folding it back up and looking intently at me. Like she’s sizing me up—looks, body and all. I flush a bit under the scrutiny of her gaze and the silent seconds leave me wondering if I should fill them.
“Rosie, we are looking for an all-rounder to be part of our team. A Jack, or Jill should I say, of all trades. Someone who can pitch in wherever is needed. Someone who has a good work ethic and is up for any challenge or request that is thrown theirway. Could this type of role suit you?” Sandy’s eyes are now piercing. Like she’s looking into my soul to see if she can get the answers just by looking into my eyes.
“Absolutely. I am really hard working; I aim to please and do whatever is needed. When I was a PA I was used to taking care of all of my Directors’ needs and whims. And since working for myself, I am no stranger to a challenge and doing what is necessary to get the job done,” I answer earnestly, hoping I sound confident and competent.
Sandy seems pleased with my response. She nods and replies, “In addition to working hard, we expect complete confidentiality and we ask all our staff and golf club members to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Will that be a problem for you?”
“Oh no, no problem at all. I am not a gossip and take my work very seriously. What kind of work do you have in mind?” Strange though I think. How many jobs ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement? What kind of role do they need filing here? Heck, what even goes on here if you aren’t allowed to tell anyone about it?
“I like that you have café and bar experience, we will of course show you the ropes on our coffee machine and drinks selection at the bar. You’ll also be shown reception and the golf buggy hire. We like our staff to be able to cover each other. Most of our staff work part time shifts and we are flexible on scheduling in order for our staff to work the hours they choose. It works quite well, and morale is pretty high, especially once our staff hit the six month mark. Speaking of which: we have a six-month trial period, mainly to see if we’re both a good fit for each other—The Clarendon and yourself I mean. Does that sound reasonable to you?”
“Yes, of course. In fact, the whole job sounds really reasonable. I love that you offer so much flexibility and there is somuch variety within the roles. Do you need to see references or anything from me?”
“We like to be our own references. We will know within the first six months if we’re compatible. One thing I do need to tell you is, at The Clarendon we pride ourselves on customer service and confidentiality. Nothing comes before these two. We look after our staff and our customers with equal care. The first thing anyone who joins our club does—whether they are a club member or staff—is choose an alias.” Sandy said that last part as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
“Do you mean everyone here does not use their real name? Even Sandy is not your real name?”
“Yes, that’s correct.” Sandy smiles, probably at the astonishment on my face. “We have a few strict rules and one of those is anonymity and we request that no one ask or give their actual names.”
“No problem. I can certainly abide by those rules.”
“Great. I think you’ll fit in with our team really well Roxy. Training starts whenever you would like to start. Would Wednesday morning work?” Sandy winks at me and I grin wide. I’m guessing I’ll be known as Roxy then. And I got the job?
Trying to hold a shrill of joy inside my head, I keep my hands on my lap to grip my thighs rather than clap with glee. Considering I was so nervous, that was the easiest and most relaxed interview I’ve ever had. What is it about this job and place that is drawing me in? Why does it feel like it’s meant to be?
Sandy starts to stand.
“Roxy, I’ll show you out. When I’m back at my desk later today, I’ll send you a form to complete and a contract to sign. I’m looking forward to working with you, I really do think you’ll make a wonderful addition to the team.” There is an odd twinkle in Sandy’s eyes. I can’t put my finger on it but I’m surethere is something she’s trying to say but without words. Or maybe it’s in my head.
I follow Sandy out of the Marion Cafe, noting that I can see two or three golf carts driving across the grounds now. She walks me back to the lavish entrance and holds her hand out.
“It’s been a pleasure, Roxy. See you tomorrow.”
2
Iget into the car and clap my hands with glee, turn the car on and phone James.
“I got the job!” I squeal as soon as he answers.
“Amazing, I knew they’d love you. So, whatisthe job?”
I proceed to tell James about the building, the café/bar, Sandy, the type of role being offered, the non-disclosure agreement and my new name, nearly all whilst not taking a breath.
“Are you happy?” James asks with a smile in his tone.
“Yes. This is just what I needed. A role that works around us, the family and my business. But also integrates me back into a team to work around people after working for myself for so long. Funny about the name thing, isn’t it? Have you ever heard of everyone—members and staff—having aliases in a golf club before?”
“No, never.” James sounds intrigued. And I am too.
